author's note= i miss your comments, how about leaving one here in this chapter, this story is already in its final chapters... but i invite you to read our stories in english

s/14324530/1/THE-GREAT-HUNT

s/14326398/1/Guardian-of-Innocence-The-Search-for-Rosalen-Sulivam

Chapter 74

Nathan returned to the cabin as quickly as he could, his heart hammering in his chest as he approached what was left of the place. Bill, Robert and Cody were there, working tirelessly to put out the fire and search for clues as to what had happened.

Bill, with his razor-sharp investigative skills, scoured the cabin's surroundings for any clues. Robert, attentive to detail, found the marks left by Allien's and little Jack's feet, especially after Cody discovered Allien's bracelet. Now it was Bill who followed the footprints, determined to unravel the mystery.

However, after a few stretches, the footprints mysteriously disappeared, leaving Nathan puzzled. He realized that Allien had erased the marks, using branches to cover them.

A feeling of admiration and pride flooded Nathan's chest as he recognized his daughter's cunning. He remembered teaching her that trick, and now he saw his daughter applying it so effectively. Even in the midst of his distress, a smile formed on his lips at the thought of how intelligent and resilient his daughter was.

In the distance, Robert spotted a single footprint, indicating that Allien was carrying his brother. Bill pondered the situation, suggesting that she was carrying her brother in her arms. Both he and Nathan were perplexed as they contemplated how Allien had managed to cover all that distance, considering the rhythm of the footprints and the spacing between them. It was clear that she had been running from the moment they left the hut, without interruption.

The length between the steps meant that Allien had not slowed down, despite the additional weight on her arms. It was disconcerting for Nathan to imagine the anguish and fear his daughter must have felt running tirelessly with her brother on her lap. This realization brought a mixture of admiration and concern, as it was a reflection of how determined and courageous his daughter was, even in the face of the most difficult circumstances.

The night approached relentlessly, but they had no intention of stopping. It was a race against time, a desperate search to find Allien and her lost brother.

Meanwhile, earlier that same day, a surprising scene was unfolding nearby. Allien knew that hunger could weaken them, so she decided to act. With her brother asleep, she ventured down to the nearby lake. With a blackberry branch sharpened like a makeshift spear, she plunged into the dark water in search of food. After several attempts, she managed to catch a sizable fish. In addition, she picked blackberries and improvised a container with a large leaf to store water from the lake. With skill and determination, she cleaned the fish, using her nails and the sharp branch to remove the scales and entrails, before transporting everything back to the place where they had been hiding for some time.

The cave hidden behind the waterfall offered a safe haven. Allien navigated the lagoon, walking in parts and swimming neck-deep in others, until he reached the cave entrance. This challenging process was repeated three times, each time more determined to secure sustenance for herself and her brother. On the last trip, she brought dry sticks wrapped in her jacket, balancing them carefully over her head as she crossed the water. Her effort and skill to ensure her brother's safety and comfort was a testament to her resilience and unwavering love.

The surroundings were plunged into the gloom of night, only interrupted by the soft, peaceful snoring of little Jack, who had finally found some well-deserved rest after a night full of excitement and a grueling escape. Allien watched his brother sleep, feeling a mixture of relief and worry. She knew he was exhausted and hungry, and the few blackberries they had found would be insufficient to satisfy their empty bellies after so many hours without food.

Determined to do something about it, Allien took the sticks she had gathered and began to rub them vigorously against each other. With determination and patience, she persisted until a small puff of smoke began to rise, signaling the start of something special. Little Jack, awakened by the activity, watched with fascination, bursting into laughter and applause as the smoke intensified. For Allien, her brother's smile was like a ray of hope, encouraging her to redouble her efforts to create something extraordinary.

And then, against all the odds...

The fire was born...

A small fire lit up the darkness, providing warmth and a renewed source of energy for the two brothers. Allien stuck a branch with a fish on the end over the crackling fire, preparing a modest but comforting meal. Jack's admiring gaze as he watched his sister was touching; to him, Allien was a true heroine, capable of performing magical feats.

The fish, although simple, was gratefully enjoyed. Despite the lack of seasoning, Allien managed to enhance the flavor by adding some blackberries to the meat, providing a welcome touch of sweetness. After the meal, Allien ensured that Jack drank plenty of water, remembering the science lessons about the importance of hydration, especially for a child, that his mother taught at school.

With the night enveloping them in its dark cloak, Allien fed the small fire with more sticks, offering warmth and protection from the night's chill. Embraced by the warmth of the fire, the brothers snuggled together, and Allien, after covering Jack with his jacket, fell asleep to the sound of the crackling flames, feeling grateful for the momentary security they had found together.